Stars return for a rare reunion season at The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, often called “The Christmas Show of the South,” opened its 32nd season of awe-inspiring holiday performances with to overwhelmingly positive fan response. This year, owner and producer, Calvin Gilmore, welcomes back long-time fan favorites Kym “Bogie” Shurbutt, Steve Sifford and Rocky Fretz for a first-ever reunion season.

Gilmore has worked for months to create an unforgettable holiday experience, with his usual signature flair for production. As always, the 2017 Christmas special brings stunning changes, beautifully blended with time-honored tradition to create a family experience that is second to none. New talent will mingle with acclaimed rotating artists and long-standing Opry favorites.

The beloved Kym “Bogie” Shurbutt, diagnosed with bone marrow cancer a little over a year ago, has had a long, hard road but, thanks to the love and support of his fans and his fearless attitude, he is now ready and excited to come home for Christmas! Steve Sifford, emcee at The Carolina Opry Theater for 19 years, retired several years ago and is thrilled to be back for this special season. Rocky Fretz, international pianist and part of the original Carolina Opry cast over 32 years ago, returns for another memorable season!

These special guests are joined by new cast member, 17-year old Rory John Zak, the renowned All That! clogging group, an additional holiday brass section and 35 of the nation’s most talented vocalists and musicians, all accompanied by the Calvin Gilmore orchestra, lead by Kevin Hughes with the Margaret Rice dancers in the stunning Carolina Opry Theater. Kids love the magic tricksand real horse-drawn sleigh and snow! The response to this special season has been overwhelming and seats are selling fast, advanced recommendations are strongly recommended.

Another first – there are now two holidays shows running in The Carolina Opry Theater! Gilmore’s popular Thunder & Light show has debuted a special “holiday twist” edition that runs select Wednesday mornings, November through December, at 11am. This new show, starring the renowned All That! clogging group, features many of the same pop hits you see year-round with a sprinkling of holiday added in. You can package this show with the traditional Carolina Opry Christmas Special for just $15 a ticket.

Holiday decor at The Carolina Opry Theater has been raised to a high art form—an attraction in and of itself. In a dramatic one-week shut-down, the transformation into a winter wonderland begins as the crew spends all night and the entire following week preparing over 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, 5 miles of tree lighting wire, countless tree ornaments, and mounds of Christmas snow, all presided over by the stunning 30-foot tree with more than 25,000 lights.

The Carolina Opry is the only show in Myrtle Beach to be touted as “the real thing.” Real talent, real production values, real entertainment—the “Top attraction in Myrtle Beach” according to CNBC, and a holiday tradition for over thirty years. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special brings the warm, wonderful, and fun spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy and dance.

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special runs now through December 31, with regular evening performances and selectively scheduled matinees. The Thunder & Light holiday show is on select Wednesday mornings at 11am. For a full schedule visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com and to book tickets call 800-843-6779.